CLEVELAND – Community leaders and officials of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) today broke ground on a $7.2 million upgrade to the E. 116th – St. Luke’s Rapid Station.

The station serves the Blue and Green lines.

“This new design will provide an open feel to this station, with enhanced security features, emergency call buttons, bright lighting and much more,” said Joe Calabrese, RTA CEO and General Manager.

“It will also incorporate new ADA ramps – similar to what we’re building at E 34, and like what we did at Buckeye-Woodhill - which will make this station accessible and convenient. No longer will customers have to rely on mechanical systems for wheel-chair access,” Calabrese said.

The new construction is expected to be complete in May of 2019.

Project background

The design and construction concept began in 2010 when RTA, in collaboration with the Buckeye-Shaker Development Corporation, completed a station-area development plan. This plan brought together the community, stakeholders and residents to develop a station that best met their needs.

The plan was funded through a NOACA Transportation for Livable Communities initiative grant, with support from the Cleveland Foundation.

“A critical initiative led by Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and funded by the Saint Luke’s Foundation calls for a secondary entrance that connects the muse walkway to the Saint Luke’s Development and Intergenerational School,” Calabrese explained.

“Over the last couple of years, recent developments of St. Luke’s, the Rice Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, the Harvey Rice Elementary School, the Intergenerational School and St. Luke’s Development, all make this station even more vital to the fabric of the community,” Calabrese said.

Shirmir Construction already installed a well-lit, temporary access way that includes security cameras and call boxes – so customers can safely use the station during construction, officials said. Panzica Construction Co. is the general contractor, with design from City Architecture.

History

The station first opened April 11, 1920, when service began from Shaker Square to East 34th Street and Downtown. It was renovated in 1981.